Taro and Emil

by Taro Shinoda. Tokyo, Japan

First, I need to apologise for my poor English
because my first language is Japanese.
Emil and I first met in 2001.
I was in Sydney for a show at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
I met Emil at the opening reception.
He just came over to me with a smile.
On the next day, he showed me around Sydney.
Immediately we became good friends.
I was there only for a week but
I still have good memories of Sydney,
because from him.

Emil was always nice and
I always love to join him.
This February, I went to Seoul for a show.
Of course I contacted Emil.
He introduced me to his friends 
and they were all such beautiful people.
I always thought beautiful people have beautiful friends
and I was happy to see that Emil looks happy with his life.

Now me and Emil were in same show in Seoul.
I just figured this out few days ago.
We emailed each other about this.
The show have no budget for my ticket.
I emailed Emil, "I can't come to opening because of this".
and Emil emailed me,
"No... Taro... this is our first time in same show!"
When I read his reply, I was thinking of coming to Seoul with my pocket money
but I didn't go, and it is too late now.

Now on my desk,
there is a box.
Inside is Emil's letter and his designed T-shirt.
I feel happy to still have this box posted to me
on 28th of September, which is my birthday.
From next year when my birthday comes
I going to think about Emil in this galaxy.

I don't know how to say to Emil's parents
but Emil's parents should be proud of Emil.
He was such a nice and clever person and I learnt a lot of things from him.